If you’re like me, you’re always thinking about a diet, starting a diet, or – worst of all – going off your diet for just one little treat! I’m constantly trying to find ways to lose those last few pounds. So, I’ve gathered up the twelve best ways for you to get motivated to lose weight. Check out my tips below and remember that it’s the small things you should do everyday that add up!
1. Take before pictures …
Go ahead and take some really bad pictures of your “before” self. I mean, really bad. No smiles, no makeup, no styled hair… just you, a sports bra, and a pair of underwear. When you see those pictures stuck to your fridge, you’ll be a lot less tempted to chow down on some ice cream or cake.
2. Get a support group …
If you want to lose weight successfully and stay motivated long-term, you need backup. So, get some weight losing support behind you. There’s lots of ways to do this… start an exercise group, begin a “biggest loser” competition at work, or join an online weight loss website. If you’ve got cheerleaders, you’re less likely to quit the game!
3. Go public …
In addition to getting support, you’ve got to go public with your goals. I don’t mean buying a billboard in Times Square, but you need to share your weight loss goals with some people in your life who can hold you accountable. Why? Because it will be really embarrassing when you have to tell all these people you’ve given up! So, you’ll be less likely to quit if you know you’ve got an audience.
4. Read the labels …
When you’re shopping, you’ve got to read the labels on what you buy. Don’t just assume that a product screaming “Low Fat” on the front of the box is actually good for you… flip it over and look. Consider calories, fat, sugar, and sodium when choosing what you’re going to eat. Also, check that portion size… sure, 3 grams of fat per serving is great, but if it is for a tiny portion, can you really stop eating after that small amount of food?
5. Set realistic goals …
Don’t think you’re going to lose fifty pounds in two months… or even three or four. Setting high goals doesn’t really help you. Instead, it just sets you up for frustration and failure. Plan to lose 2-3 pounds per week… that’s healthy and safe for you body, and you’ll really be burning fat, not just losing water or muscle. Read about losing weight realistically on WebMD.
Recommended Posts:
- 5 Weight Loss Programs That Worked for Me …
- 10 Top Exercises to Lose Weight …
- 10 Delicious Desserts with Least Calories …
6. Get your priorities straight …
Sure, your salad would taste amazing with a little extra dressing or some added toppings … but would delaying your weight loss goals be worth that taste? You might not think one extra tablespoon of mayo on your hoagie makes that much difference, but these little things add up. Make up your mind that you’re willing to miss these little extras for a while, and you’ll meet your weight goals that much quicker.
hi. i am 11, 5 foot 3 and weigh 162. i cant do sports until i get on honor roll. i have been teased to the point where i had a mental break down i dont want to be on this earth amy more. no one apreciates me. i feel like god put me on this earth as a warning to others to not be like me… and that sucks! help me!?
Hey Taylor,
You know what? Some people can be really hurtful and they are the ones who shouldn’t be on this earth. I had a boyfriend who’d keep saying hurtful things until one day I had had enough. I called it off with him. But I turned those hateful words into my inspiration. It was kind of a “I’ll show him” thing. And it worked!
I know its depressing and bogs you down but ignore them and find your inner willpower to get through this. You do not have a lot of weight to lose. All you need to do is put your mind to it. And don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Good luck sweetheart :)
hey taylor! ok, so i love to eat. but, the way i control my weight, is i balance everything out! like, have a junk day, but then after school go to the gym and workout! or if u cant get to a gym, do about 30 jumping jacks, pushups, curlups, run up the stairs just to get your heart pumping! trust me, you will feel so much better knowing that u burned alot of calories. and although you will probably crave something yummy afer your workout.. do NOT eat anything except maybe some fruit. but not in a big portion! you want to keep your portions small. you may not notice a big change, but im positive you will feel alot better about yourself, knowing that u gave an efforrt. good luck hun!!! ;)
Don’t let what other people say about you break you. We are all diffent in every way. That is the way we are meant to be. When you feel like you have it rock bottom remember it can only get better. Don’t put so much emphasis on what other people think. You do have a purpose in life, we all do, you just haven’t found yours yet. Your purpose may just be to be an example of how strong you can be when you have to be.
Hey taylor i know what ya mean. im 13 years old and weigh over 180 pounds. yea im 5 ft 5, but that not cut and i don’t look it but the point is that im way over weight. i’m trying to lose weigth now. next year im off to high school and the teaasing i know gets worse. i going to buckle down and lose this weight.
Been there. Just remember that God makes no mistakes and those SUPER RETARDED classmates of yours won’t matter in like ten years when you will have other friends from college and the many other people who will know and love you (and your BEAUTIFUL curves). Learn to love your body and remember that there are lots of people who love you.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned this already… but who is telling you you cannot play sports if you are not on the honour roll? Your parents or the school? Either way this is an issue you need to confront, not just for yourself, but for others. All studies show that our brain is connected to our body and the more we exercise our body the better our brain will function and continue to function until old age (trust me I’m a neuropsych major). I think it is absurd for anyone to tell you your grades need to be at honours level in order to play a sport, perhaps if you got the excercise it would improve you mental functioning and bring up your grades. Also, an hour or two a day of sports should not affect your homework or marks at all… it may just mean taking an hour away from tv or the computer when you aren’t doing homework anyways. Either way, this rule is horrible and you should try and fight it. If you need any links to research showing you how excercise can improve brain functioning I’d be more than happy to help. Good luck.
Taylor, you sound like such a sweet person. You should never let anyone make you feel like they are better than you and that you should not be here. God created you and there is a good reason for your being on this earth. You have to convince yourself that you are just as good as anyone else, or better, since you are not hurting other people the way they are trying to hurt your feelings.
You need to find different circle of friends who will love you for everything you have, and those will be your true friends. Most people who put others down, are doing it to make themselves feel better, because they feel like they are the losers, and want to crush others to get them to their own level. Keep your head high and convince yourself that you are better than them. Believe in yourself, and you will achieve great things!!!!!
Hi i’m Jessa & these steps are so great to read. This website always makes me motivated! :D I’m only a kid but yeah they worked for me. Thank you All Women’s Talk.com !!! :D
Hey Jessaaa,
You’re welcome hun. Btw, it’s All Women Stalk. Easy to get confused with I know :)
Me,again. :) Im 12, weigh about 155, and I am 5′3″. People make a lot of fun of me too, :/ just like Taylor. And those people are all my ex-best friends. And it hurts me that they would wanna make fun of me because of how i look sometimes! And heck, theyre all bigger than me! All about 210 ilbs. So, all of my ex-best friends formed a clique against me and my new,absolutely loyal & trusting best friend. I don’t want to be mean, but everybody hates them,so they take it out on me & my best friend.
Anyway, sorry, back to my main problem. :/ How can I lose 10-15 pounds in about a couple of weeks?? I try so hard, but then, I just end up watching tv sitting on the couch all day eating junk. I realize I have to try harder. Much harder. Because at those moments when im on the couch, I say to myself, ehh, ill start tomorrow. But then its just like a huge cycle. So, what can I do???? (Sorry its so long) :(
Hey Jessaa,
Thank God these “friends” are no longer your friends. It’s really funny that they make fun of your weight. I mean really?
As for what you can do to lose weight…I can’t give you advice that’s any different from what’s been said before. Instead of eating junk in front of the tv, why don’t you try eating something healthy. I know it’s hard to push yourself initially but trust me once you start to see results it gets way easier. Try some fun workouts…maybe dancing, aerobics or even some kind of sport.
Good luck hun :)
I too am struggling with my weight. But about you other problem. I have a very strong suspicion that your friends are jealous of you. Even though you feel you have some weight to lose, they have more to lose. My advice on that situation is to completely avoid them at all costs. If you have to be in contact with them even if you have to fake it make sure they know what they are doing does not bother you, they will soon move onto something else. Usually people like that only keep tormenting as long as they can see they are getting a rise out of the person that is their target. Sounds like you have a really good friend now so live it up. Let the others just be a thought of a time in your life that is now the past. Forget about them and live your life to the fullest.
Thanks. I know I should have just listened to myself because I keep on telling myself the same thing all the time. :D
Hi! I was wondering how it would be easier for me to lose the weight I need. I am currently a college student who is ALWAYS on the go and is way too busy to eat right, I usually can only get fast food throughout the day and I rarely have time to work out. Do you have food tips or any tips on how I can lose the weight? (I’m looking into losing 15-17 pounds.)
Thank you! (:
Hi Brandy,
I am a college student like you, and I also am always on the go. I know how difficult it can be sometimes to eat healthy when it is much quicker to just grab something quick to eat. Here are a few tips though:
Set aside one day every week or two to go grocery shopping.
Shop on the outside of the grocery store, so whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and fresh meat.
AVOID the frozen food section if you can, even though these are quick and convenient most are not really that much better than fast food.
When you go home take the time to cut up your vegetables and put them in containers, cut up lettuce and have salad ready in the fridge. Also, cook a bunch of meat and then refreeze it, for example cook some chicken breast or hamburger and freeze it so it is quick to prepare when you need it in a hurry. Put some of the cooked chicken breast in the fridge to warm up or put in salads.
This really only takes a couple hours on say a Sunday afternoon and you will eat healthy all week and you won’t be as tempted to grab fast junk because it will be just as fast to grab a container of salad and chicken breast… And you will feel and study way better after too..
Also, excercise will also help you study better. Sometimes its hard to sacrifice the time but even a half hour of excercise can improve your brain functioning and attention so you’ll get more studying done in less time! Do 5 minutes or crunches, jumping jacks, pushups, etc. every hour of studying or so and that will even help.
Hope this helps.
hi im 12 nd i way around 110. 1 of my friends says that he would want to c me in a swimsiut but i have i little gut nd i hate it!!!! is there anything i can do to lose the gut?
Your only twelve and a guy is coming on to you ?!?!?!?
BTW: your @ a healthy weight, and if you lose any you would probably be underweight, which is just as unhealthy as being overweight.
Just do a few crunches everyday, and it will turn to muscle and you will still be a healthy weight, and you will look great!
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hi. i want to lose my hip size ,thighs and tummy. i m getting married with in 1 month. how can i reduce my weight fast plz do reply me
Hey Harriet,
CONGRATULATIONS sweetie. now, normally i’m not a supporter of quick weight loss techniques but in your case, i can totally understand.. well here are a few posts that you should find helpful hopefully. http://allwomenstalk.com/7-fastest-ways-to-lose-weight/
http://allwomenstalk.com/10-top-exercises-for-losing-butt-fat-with-2-bonus-exercises/
http://allwomenstalk.com/12-best-ways-to-lose-stomach-fat/
http://allwomenstalk.com/9-most-extreme-ways-to-lose-weight/ (please be EXTREMELY careful if you plan on following any one of these)
Hello,
I have struggled my etire life looking at the images of skinny beutiful girls either from the media or everyday, at school. I go home and cry, because I dont have the kind of will power to lose weight. I try to set my mind to it, but fail every time. BOYS. A big problem. I feel i am the ugliest person until i lose weight. I do A LOT of sports but it only builds muscle. I am 168 pounds and 5′5″, although i do not look my weight because most is muscle. Please, I need all the help i can get. I don’t want to live the rest of my life like this, and i need a plan that works fast. thank you for your time,
hopless
Hey Neda,
Don’t lose your patience or hope honey. I’m sure it must be frustrating. You should know that there are some women who no matter what they do, can never be the ’skinny girl’ even at their skinniest. Some of us, me too, have builts that are different. Maybe you’re one of those too – slightly curvier and a little broader in built than the ’skinny beautiful girls’.
And honey, that apart, there’s a lot of things you could do to lose the weight (btw, 168 at 5′5″ is not really bad.. you just need to get it slightly under control!). If you lack willpower to continue your exercise regimens, enlist a friend or a sibling as your weight-loss buddy – someone who’s looking to lose weight too and both of you can keep a track on each other. Also, set smaller goals. Like say if you’ve got an event coming up in 3 months.. instead of targeting a weight of 150 or 155 and losing hope when you don’t reach that, set a target of 160-163 and make sure you get there! the constant reassurances after meeting your targets will be all the motivation you need and hopefully you’ll be a lot more hopeful then.
Over my years and I’m a bit older than most of you gals on here but have lived through just about everything you are all writing about. I learned a long time ago that although the boys are attracted to the so-called “beauty queens” they are attracted to them for super-ficial reasons. They are looking to “hook up” with them to make them look better. Very, very few of them ESPECIALLY IN HIGH SCHOOL are for long term relationships. I was quite thin in high school and decent looking. I had alot of guy friends but didn’t date alot because they knew I was not easy. So you need to look at that too. And I prayed and prayed for my ideal person to be in my life. I prayed for a long long time but there he was. Met by chance, mere chance, actually fate. We are still together and have been for 23 years. Yea, I’m 41. I struggled with self-image problems and fitting in all though high school. Then realized everything was just great, I had friends, good reputation, good family. What was making me so miserable was just the thoughts in my head that I was creating.
Okay, i have a problem. I wanna lose at least 10 pounds by the end of March or April. I need to because i am having troubles with my weight and i dont like my body at all. All guys say im fine but i never wear like tshirts cuz when i sit down like my stomach all like folds up into 3 parts. its sooo embarressing. I hate wearing bathing suits and stuff. I need some tips on what to do to lose weight fast in the stomach and other places. I have been on the treadmill and curl ups and push ups. But i lose weight then it comes back i need help to keep it all off. I am 14 years old and weigh 113. Please help me . I know the weight doesnt seem that bad but if u saw my stomach u would help me. Plz. someone give me tips or email me!! please give me tips.
Hey Kylie,
You haven’t mentioned your height but assuming you are somewhere between 5′ and 5′ 3″, your BMI puts you in the normal weight category. Also, the reason why the weight comes back is because you stop exercising. Losing weight is important but it’s as important to maintain it. Also, since you’ve been going on about your stomach, read this post
http://allwomenstalk.com/12-best-ways-to-lose-stomach-fat/
I hope it helps! :)
hi i am evelynne i am 5 foot and i weigh 124 i am twelve years old but want to lose weight and be 90 or so puonds. what is the best way to do this
Hey Evelynne,
I hate to give such obvious answers but here goes….Eat healthy, get some exercise and be patient. Also, read this post and follow the points. We also have tons of other posts under the dieting and wellness sections that can help.
Good luck sweetie…
Hey Evelynne,
I’ve read what your wrote down and honestly, your at a good weight right now. You should try and stay away from being 90lbs or so. You should maybe keep it around 100-105. Just stick to a simple workout that bests suits you considering your still young and have a faster metabolism. Do maybe 30 jump and jacks,crunchs, or push-ups and you should be fine. =]
I have been taking the mick out of for my weight for too long now. I seriously want a change, and I want this change fast. I am going to do all of this for a month.
I really just, can’t take it anymore. I don’t want to be like I am now. I’m only fourteen, and I feel like I’m never going to amount to anything due to my weight.
Please, help me.
Hey Paige,
That’s wonderful hun. My only advice is to stay strong willed and be patient. Also, don’t try to take the easy way out and stay healthy! :)
Thanks for visiting!
Hey,
My name is Natalie and Im 12-turning 13-years old. I am about 5′2″ and I weigh about 145 pounds. I am trying to get to my goal of 110 pounds by the summer, is that reasonable?
The dieting journal is what im going to try, hopefully to give me more motivation on what I should do.
This site rocks, BTW! :)
Hi Natalie,
A good weight for you is about 120 pounds. Also, a healthy weight loss is about 1-2 pounds a week. Ofcourse remember to go easy on yourself, you’re only 13. Play a sport at school. That’s both fun and healthy and try to keep the junk off.
Oh and thank you! :) We appreciate it a lot!
Hey everyone. I’m 13, only 5ft…i know..im short haha and i have these super stubborn hips. I take this thing it’s called herbalife, and it works sooo well. My grandma sells it and i take it everyday, i use to be a really really chubby girl and i took it and i lost a lot of weight..but anyways…my hips are just so stubborn, they won’t shrink. I don’t know if its just that age where your weight it just off the charts…but they just stay there. I play mostly soccer and then volleyball. So i have pretty firm legs, but there is also some fat on their that wont go away either. My stomach could use some toning but its got muscle also…but my hips are just flab. Soccer season is over so now i have no sports to do, any tips on foods or anything that can help but stubborn hips shrink…by summer if possible. Please help! Thankyouu
Hi Natasha,
I’m always a little skeptical of pills assuming Herbalife does consist of pills. Especially considering you’re 13 which is way too young for you to be experimenting. As for your question, I’d suggest reading these posts from our archives
http://allwomenstalk.com/12-tips-on-how-to-lose-butt-fat-fast/
http://allwomenstalk.com/10-top-exercises-for-losing-butt-fat-with-2-bonus-exercises/
I hope these help! Stay healthy :)
I’m 11 years old 5′1 and about 125 pounds. It only shows on my stomach and legs (not arms or face)and i have been dieting and exercising for about 6 months and nothing has changed and I never went off of it for a little snack or anything. A lot of my friends at school are also kind of chubby and we are all going to see who can lose the most weight but I am trying but like i said nothing is happening!!! Please help!!!!
Wow neenee, that does sound like some good advice. you seem to have your regime figured out!
Hey K,
I think you have an excellent tale there. You could not be more right about the whole high-school dating & popularity scene. I do hope that a lot of the girls do read this and do truly learn something from this. Thanks a lot for posting.
Hey BBallgirl,
I just wanted to say that it’s great that you are making an effort to lose weight. When you put in your best, the results will show I promise. Just remember to stick to healthy methods and not try anything drastic. Good luck hun :)